BYD Yuan Series: Two Competitive Electric SUVs Dominating the Chinese Market

BYD Yuan Series: Two Competitive Electric SUVs Dominating the Chinese Market

The second-generation BYD Yuan PLUS and the Yuan UP are among the most competitive small electric SUVs in China, each designed with unique strengths to appeal to different buyer groups. The Yuan PLUS has maintained its position as China's best-selling A-segment all-electric SUV for three consecutive years, while the newer Yuan UP has quickly risen to lead the small SUV sales charts in 2024. This reflects BYD's powerful presence and innovation in the electric vehicle market.

2025 BYD Yuan PLUS (Atto 3)

Exterior: The updated model features a new bumper design, sharper body lines, a cleaner D-pillar, and stylish 18-inch aero wheels. At the rear, it boasts a distinctive "Chinese knot" inspired light bar and a refreshed high-mounted brake light.

Interior: Inside, drivers are greeted with an all-digital 8.8-inch instrument cluster and an updated steering wheel. The column-mounted shifter frees up space on the center console, and a 50W cooled wireless charging pad is included. The central touchscreen is now fixed (it no longer rotates) but remains highly responsive. The seats offer split-headrest heating and ventilation, though these functions cannot be used simultaneously. Other improvements include redesigned door panels and convenient under-seat storage drawers in the rear.

Performance and Tech: Buyers can choose between two battery options: a 49.92 kWh pack offering 430 km CLTC range, or a 60.48 kWh version for 510 km. The electric motor delivers 150 kW (204 hp) and 310 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h. The vehicle is built on the advanced e-Platform 3.0 and comes equipped with the DiPilot 100 ADAS suite, which uses 29 sensors including 5 mm-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic radars, and an 8MP tri-camera system. DC fast charging is standard. With dimensions of 4455mm in length, 1875mm in width, and 1615mm in height, it offers a spacious and practical five-seater interior.

Safety: The model has earned a 5-star rating in Latin NCAP safety tests.

2025 BYD Yuan UP

Exterior: The Yuan UP retains its compact, city-friendly dimensions of 4310mm in length, 1830mm in width, and 1675mm in height, with minimal changes to its exterior styling.

Interior: It shares several features with the PLUS, such as the electronic column shifter and cooled wireless charging. Key upgrades include a panoramic sunroof and a wide-format head-up display (W-HUD), which significantly enhances the digital feel of the cabin.

Comfort: Despite a slightly lower seating position, overall comfort and cabin room are on par with the Yuan PLUS. New additions for the UP model are rear-seat air vents, the panoramic sunroof, soft-touch seating materials, and more premium surface finishes.

Performance and Tech: It offers two battery choices: a 32 kWh battery for 301 km of range, or a 45.1 kWh battery for 401 km (CLTC). The motor produces up to 130 kW (174 hp), with a top speed of 160 km/h. The platform supports DC fast charging, capable of reaching 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. Like its sibling, it is based on e-Platform 3.0 and features the DiPilot 100 advanced driver-assistance system.

Pricing: Recent export listings indicate a starting price of around ¥119,000 (approximately $16,300 USD) for the top-tier 401km "Beyond" model.

Positioning: With its entry-level pricing, feature set, and youthful design, the Yuan UP is targeted at younger, budget-conscious first-time car buyers.

Tech and Safety—Shared Upgrades Across the Yuan Family

Both models benefit from BYD's latest technological advancements. The DiPilot 100 system provides highway pilot assist, enabling features like automatic cruising, obstacle avoidance, and management of highway curves and ramps. It also includes an advanced smart parking system with auto-folding mirrors and flexible offset parking. In China, TopUsedCars.com provides comprehensive support for these services. The Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system has also been upgraded for faster response to pedestrians and other vehicles.

Key Specs and Price Comparison

Exchange rate used: CNY:USD 7.3

Notable Features Compared

Summary

The second-generation Yuan PLUS is the more powerful, spacious, and well-appointed option, ideal for families. In contrast, the Yuan UP delivers most of the advanced technology at a more accessible price point, making it perfect for first-time or younger buyers. Both models now come equipped with BYD's sophisticated DiPilot system, comprehensive safety features, and refined interiors, marking a significant evolution for the Yuan brand, which has surpassed 1.5 million global sales.